Campbell on a classic quest with smart colt

The Opaki horseman produced the slick son of Highly Recommended for a commanding performance on Wednesday to add the Listed H. S. Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1340m) to his burgeoning record. “He’ll head to the Hawke’s Bay Guineas next and then Christchurch is the plan, as long as everything continues to go so well,” Campbell said. The Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) is the principal spring target for Waldorf, whose price has tumbled from $21 to $14 for the November 11 feature. “I don’t have any worries about him running a mile at Riccarton, his half-brother Timy Tyler won the Winter Cup there,” Campbell said. Waldorf drew the outside in the field of six at Wanganui and jockey Johnathan Parkes was aggressive from the outset to get to the front. “It was a great ride – he was positive and I said to him if there’s no pace then press on and he rode him beautifully,” Campbell said. Waldorf sprinted off the bend to quickly put his rivals to the sword, coasting home by five and a-quarter lengths. “He’s still got improvement in him, he’s a big, burly horse,” Campbell said. “I knew the track wouldn’t worry him and I expected a big run.” He also shares in Waldorf’s ownership with a syndicate that includes his long-time friend and stable supporter Tommy Heptinstall, who he will be in touch with later this evening. “I’ll talk to the boss tonight, he’s still in England,” Campbell said. The Wanganui Guineas also provided Berkley Stud stallion Highly Recommended with a memorable black type quinella after Kirkland, who was on debut, shaded Socially Excited by the narrowest of margins for second money.